As I have readied myself over the last few months for this walk across America, I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded by an army of loved ones. I truly could not have prepared for this incredible journey on my own…I would have been lost. So many people have reached out, offered services, assistance, advice, time and love…it’s been absolutely breathtaking. What a beautiful thing to know that I’m never alone!

All this support really reflected on my goal in trying to help others, in hoping to let someone else never feel alone in their battles with eating disorders. What a full circle we live in…how connected we all are as human beings. Life is amazingly beautiful!

Today is my last day at home before I fly out, first to Chicago tomorrow, then to Philadelphia on Sunday where I will begin my 2,613 mile walk. I believe that my efforts have been recognized by all of you…my supporters, my cheerleaders, my loved ones, those that I walk for…I don’t even have words for the extent of my gratitude.

After struggling with my own eating disorder demons for 10 years, my goal is to fill my recovery in helping others. Treatment can be obtained, but sometimes a bit of help is required. So let’s stand united and lift each other to wellness and wholeness.

Please donate today: http://www.youcaring.com/raewalksacrossamerica100% of the funds raised will be given to the Eating Disorder Recovery Support, a California-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting community awareness of eating disorders, professional education and collaboration, and providing treatment scholarships to individuals that need financial assistance for treatment.

Just a few of my loved ones, supporters….some freakin incredible people!

In the years of battling my own eating disorder gremlins, I was so lucky to have an amazing support system who never tired of me, never gave up on me…my family. During this time period when my mind was telling me lies about my body, and I was sucked into these distortions, my mom was my biggest cheerleader and champion. Though we had no easy access to formal treatment (inpatient, specialized therapy, day programs, etc), my mom helped me build an array of cognitive tools that would strengthen me in the fight against ED…tools that I still utilize today.

In my recovery my goal is to help others overcome this lonely and, often, lethal battle. Why should anyone have to walk this path alone? I’ve been incredibly blessed to have such a strong support system through my darkest times…something that probably prevented the destruction of my life. I want to share that support with others. I fiercely believe in reaching out a hand and walking together…let’s ALL walk together!

My hope is to raise $5,000 to help struggling individuals receive the treatment that may be the difference between life and death. I will walk 2,613 miles across this country just to raise less than $2 from YOU for every mile that I walk…Let’s change the world together! Together we are strong!
Please donate today: http://www.youcaring.com/raewalksacrossamerica.

Recently, a very good friend of mine shared some words that really resonated with me and with my goals:

If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble…A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Is this not so true with all struggles? How much harder do we have to fight if we walk the journey alone? Instead, why not help and lift each other up! I find that in my own eating disorder recovery the more I do in devoting my time to others, the stronger I am. Eating disorders, like all mental disorders, come with such negative stigmas. They are embarrassing and frowned upon. We are “not supposed” to talk about them…they are taboo. However, if we keep our struggles, our triumphs, our recoveries to ourselves….what good will it do for that person sitting right next to us who may be experiencing the very same challenge?

I’d rather not have my years of battling ED go to waste by keeping my mouth closed. I choose to talk about the agonizing demon that I will never let win. I choose to try my hardest to help as many people as I can. Why not hold hands and walk together? We’re in this life together after all!

Please help me in my efforts. Together we can help someone struggling with ED achieve the relief of recovery. My goal is to raise $5,000 to assist in someone’s treatment. I’ll be walking 2,613 miles across the United States in an attempt to bring awareness to this lonely and lethal disorder…That’s less than $2 out of your pocket for every mile that I walk…I think that’s a pretty good deal!!🙂